HI SB253

Requires independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations in workers' compensation cases to be conducted by physicians mutually agreed upon by the employer and employee, or appointed by the director of labor and industrial relations within seven days if parties cannot agree.

Establishes a 45-calendar-day timeline for physicians to conduct examinations after selection or appointment, and prohibits combining independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations into a single exam unless the employee consents in writing.

Limits employer-requested examinations to one independent medical examination and one permanent impairment rating examination per case, unless valid medical reasons exist such as major surgery being contemplated.

Allows use of out-of-state licensed physicians if no qualified Hawaii-licensed physicians are available in the relevant medical specialty, with director approval; permits out-of-state claimants to use physicians licensed in their state of residence.

Appropriates funds for three workers' compensation hearings officer positions and two office assistant positions in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, effective July 1, 2017; bill takes effect January 1, 2018 and automatically repeals June 30, 2023.